If Canada calls, Turris will answer

Ottawa Senators centre Kyle Turris says he has always welcomed the opportunity to explore the globe through hockey.

After mixing slapshots with some sightseeing in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Finland at previous points in his career, he now stands a decent shot at doing the same in Minsk, Belarus in May.

While Turris insists his current focus is on helping the Senators have a strong finish to what has been a disappointing regular season for the team, he says he would jump at the chance to represent Canada at the world championships.

Earlier this week, former Los Angeles Kings star defenceman Rob Blake was named as Canada’s general manager for the world championships. Blake’s roster will include players from NHL teams not participating in the NHL playoffs.

“We’ll wait until the season plays out and then we’ll see what happens,” Turris said before Friday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks. “If I’m considered for it, it’s always an honour to play for your country.”

The last time Turris represented Canada was at the 2008 world junior championships in the Czech Republic, when Canada captured gold. He has also worn the Canadian red-and-white as a junior during the Super Series and against Russia for under-18 teams. During the 2012 lockout, he also played in Finland.

“Any time you have the opportunity, it’s real special,” said Turris.

But Turris, who went into Friday’s game with 22 goals and 29 assists, says that the only goal for any hockey player representing the country is gold.

“When you’re playing for Team Canada, you only have one expectation and that’s to win,” he said. “When you don’t, it’s tough.”

Clarke MacArthur, who has scored a career-high 22 goals as a linemate for Turris, could also receive consideration to play for Canada. MacArthur was part of Canada’s 2005 world championship team, generally regarded as the best junior-aged team ever assembled.

Blake will also likely take a look at defenceman Marc Methot, who played at the 2012 world championships and was invited to Canada’s Olympic evaluation camp last summer.